Natural wonders, fascinating cities and a proud Indigenous culture highlight the true beauty of the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Explore New Zealand’s highlights over 17 days, from north to south. In the North Island, cruise the Bay of Islands, discover the many highlights of Auckland, and journey further to visit the Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Wellington. In the south, ride the TranzAlpine train, see idyllic surrounds at Franz Josef, cruise the full length of Milford Sound and visit beautiful Queenstown, Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Christchurch.
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Inclusions
Inclusions
Experiences in 15 destinations
Freedom of Choice inclusions in five locations
Finest dining - A total of 27 meals
The services of an expert APT tour director and driver
16 nights' hand-picked accommodation
Return airport transfers and porterage
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Designed Exclusively for APT guests
These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing or dining options
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On arrival into Auckland, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Stay: Auckland, Grand Millennium Hotel
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE – Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Discover New Zealand’s most historic site, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which is often called the 'Birthplace of our Nation' by Kiwis. This is where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840, an agreement between the British Crown and a significant number of Maori chiefs. See the world's largest war canoe, Ngatokimatawhaorua, and visit Te Whare Runanga, a Maori meeting house that reflects stories and carving styles from across the country.
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe for an insight into the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience.
Stay: Two Nights, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
Day 3: Bay of Islands
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Meander through the inner islands, admiring the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops.
See the spectacular Bay of Islands region on a cruise. Afterwards, the afternoon is free for you to further explore.
Daily: Breakfast
Day 4: Bay of Islands, Auckland
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps cruise on Waitemata Harbour; enjoy a unique All Blacks experience; visit Auckland Zoo to discover the native flora and fauna of New Zealand; or immerse yourself in Unleashed - A Weta Workshop Experience and journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop; or escape the bustle of the city on a tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest.
Travel to Auckland before selecting from our Freedom of Choice activities. Back at your hotel this evening, enjoy a delicious Pacific-themed dinner.
Stay: Auckland, Grand Millennium Hotel
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Tonight, enjoy an indulgent traditional Maori feast and performance of Haka, song and storytelling at Te Pa Tu (Maori Village). Over a magical evening, you will be welcomed with a Haka powhiri (cultural welcome) and then treated to further captivating performances while enjoying seasonal canapes, chef selected aperitifs and a seasonal three-course dinner.
Travel to Waitomo, home to the famous glow worm caves where thousands of tiny luminescent creatures radiate an eerie glow. Discover this natural wonder on a guided boat ride through a grotto lit by these magical creatures, before continuing to Rotorua.
Stay: Two Nights, Millennium Rotorua
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Rotorua
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Rotorua Icons Embark on a Rotorua adventure. Experience the lively Agrodome Farm Show and visit The National Kiwi Hatchery before heading to the incredible natural geothermal wonder that is renowned for its healing properties, the mineral-rich Te Puia Thermal Reserve.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour A must for any fan of ‘The Lord of the Rings’, this tour explores locations where some of the famous movie scenes were filmed. You’ll feel as though you’re a part of the massive blockbuster trilogy.
Eco-Thermal Tour Drive through a unique mix of forest and farmland to visit New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool and a series of colourful hot springs at the calming Waiotapu.
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating geothermal waters of Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa on a Restorative Journey, which draws on age-old Ngati Whakaue healing practices and Maori culture.
Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. Afterwards, the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore.
Daily: Breakfast
Day 7: Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of New Zealand’s North Island this morning. View the Wairakei Steam Valley, then visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, before travelling across the plateau of Tongariro National Park to Wellington.
Stay: Two Nights, InterContinental Wellington
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Wellington
After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour of Wellington’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including Mt Victoria, the waterfront area and New Zealand’s national museum – Te Papa Tongarewa. The rest of the day will be yours at leisure to further explore this coastal city and perhaps dine at a local restaurant.
Daily: Breakfast
Day 9: Wellington, Christchurch
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Step aboard the Interislander ferry to cruise across Cook Strait and through the stunning waters of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds to Picton.
This morning, travel to the South Island, to the quaint fishing town of Kaikoura before continuing along the central east coast all the way to Christchurch.
Stay: Christchurch, Commodore Hotel
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s greatest rail adventures.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Take in the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier Region.
Pass through epic river valleys and past awesome mountain ranges on the TranzAlpine Train, then disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel to Hokitika, where you will see pounamu (jade) being carved into pieces of jewellery. Continue to Franz Josef.
Stay: Franz Josef, Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Franz Josef, Queenstown
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Walter Peak Cruise aboard a vintage steamer to Walter Peak High Country Farm to enjoy a lavish BBQ dinner featuring succulent meats expertly prepared on the rotisserie and grill, vegetables, a selection of salads, and bread. And be sure to leave room for dessert.
Stratosfare Restaurant Take a magical gondola ride up to the Stratosfare Restaurant on Bob's Peak overlooking Queenstown. Feast on an extensive range of New Zealand and international cuisines while enjoying uninterrupted views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.
Fergburger This cult burger house achieved worldwide fame in 2015 when its burgers were crowned the world's best in a travel article on the website of news giant CNN. The best burgers in New Zealand, no doubt. The world? You be the judge.
Finz Restaurant Finz Seafood & Grill offers casual, relaxed waterfront dining right in the heart of Queenstown. Finz is a bustling bistro, where you can enjoy fresh seafood daily and other dishes in a fabulous location.
Your Hotel Restaurant Enjoy a contemporary fusion of local and international cuisine at your hotel.
Today, admire the magnificent landscape as you travel along the Haast River Valley to Queenstown. This evening, choose where to enjoy dinner with a range of Freedom of Choice dining options available to you.
Stay: Two Nights, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Queenstown
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
'The Lord of the Rings’ 4WD Safari Discover why this beautiful landscape was chosen to portray Middle-earth in 'The Lord of the Rings' on this sensational 4WD safari. Visit several breathtaking locations where the iconic motion picture trilogy was filmed.
Wine Tour Embark on a personalised sightseeing tour of New Zealand’s southernmost wine region, as you indulge in tastings from various wineries.
Skippers Canyon Enjoy an exciting 4WD adventure following the Shotover River Valley. Admire rocky cliffs, sheer drops and breathtaking river gorges along the way.
Million Dollar Cruise Glide across the mystical waters of Lake Wakatipu, keeping your eyes peeled for local bird life as well as enormous trout, which are plentiful here.
Dart River Wilderness Jet A wilderness jet boat journey on the glacier-fed Dart River takes you deep into Mount Aspiring National Park, which is part of the larger World Heritage Site of Te Wahipounamu. Here, your guide will share fascinating insights into the area’s rich history.
Best of Queenstown Gaze in wonder at the beauty of New Zealand’s adventure capital on this spectacular tour. Take in panoramic views of Queenstown, visit the charming township of Arrowtown and explore Gibbston, home to the world’s first commercial bungy jump location. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery and to top it all off, relax during a scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu.
Choose how you’d like to spend today with a range of sightseeing activities on offer.
Daily: Breakfast
Day 13: Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a cruise that explores the full length of the pristine fiord which is Milford Sound.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Tonight, enjoy a Taste of Fiordland Dinner, and savour local delights such as salmon and lamb.
Embark on a scenic drive today as you journey along the Milford Road and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then drive through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak, the iconic backdrop to Milford Sound. Continue to Milford Sound. Afterwards, enjoy a picturesque drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Te Anau, Dunedin
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps visit Olveston Historic Home, or discover the enchanting Larnach Castle, nestled on the stunning Otago Peninsula. Those who enjoy a beer may choose to visit Speight’s Brewery for a tasting.
Journey through Southland countryside as you travel to Dunedin, a city known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon, select your Freedom of Choice activity.
Stay: Fable Dunedin
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15: Dunedin, Aoraki Mt Cook
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to see New Zealand’s highest mountain.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or the planetarium for a stargazing session. Alternatively, during the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake.
Drive north and stop to view the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Continue to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, where you choose your activity.
Stay: Aoraki Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 16: Aoraki Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch
Travel to Lake Tekapo and pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel.
Stay: Distinction Christchurch
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 17: Depart Christchurch
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Daily: Breakfast
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Booking terms and conditions apply.
* Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
